Locals fight poverty through recycling
Locals travel to Thembisa to collect recycling waste.
South Africa’s poverty-alleviation plans remain top agendas in many parliamentary conversations, while civilians often have to discover new, innovative ways to keep their head above water as hunger and poverty continues to strike families, more especially in these difficult times due to the global pandemic.
Lucas Mokoena from Stanley Street in Germiston is a recycler who said that what others see as waste he sees as an opportunity to put bread on the table.
If you pass Stanley Road, just after the substation, you will be welcomed by a group of recyclers stationed on both sides of the road.
The recyclers travel to Germiston, Kempton Park, Greenstone, Thembisa, Edenvale and other surrounding areas to either collect or sell their products.
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Mokoena said his journey to recycle started in 2018.
Having to feed not only himself but also his wife and child, he had to find new ways of earning an income.
He was aware of the growing statistics of poverty in SA.
“I lost my job and had to provide for my family. My child was going to a private school and the fees had to be paid,” said Lucas.
“I joined the recycling movement and I have been able to provide for my family since then.”
He said recyclers often walk long distances to collect recycling materials.
“We wake up as early as 3:00 to begin our journey every day.
“The best part of it all is that you have to know what you have. We sort the materials between paper, plastic, cans and Polypropylene.”
He thanked the businesses that allow recyclers to collect their waste as it makes a difference in many households.
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